On September 14, 2026, Oracle began another round of layoffs, continuing a series of workforce reductions at the technology company. According to Business Insider, affected employees received termination notices advising that their roles were being eliminated as part of a broader organizational change. The total number of employees affected by the latest round has not yet been publicly confirmed.
The latest layoffs follow a significant reduction in Oracle’s global workforce over the past year. Oracle employed approximately 141,000 people as of May 31, 2026, down from approximately 162,000 one year earlier, a decline of about 21,000 employees, or 13%, according to Reuters. Oracle also reported $1.84 billion in severance and other exit costs during the fiscal year.
Earlier in the year, on March 31, 2026, Oracle began another major round of layoffs affecting employees worldwide, including employees in Canada. Employees in multiple countries received termination notices, with some being told that “today is your last working day” (Yahoo Finance Canada). At the time, Canadian HR Reporter reported that the cuts could ultimately affect as many as 30,000 employees globally.
Oracle had also carried out workforce reductions in 2025, including layoffs reportedly affecting employees in Canada. Together, the 2025 and 2026 reductions reflect an ongoing restructuring of Oracle’s global workforce.
In a September 2026 regulatory filing, Oracle said its restructuring plan was designed to implement strategic measures and improve operational efficiencies, including through the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence technologies across certain functions. The company estimated restructuring costs of up to $2.1 billion as of August 31, 2026 and subsequently added approximately $700 million for additional planned actions.
For Oracle employees in Canada, including Ontario, these continuing workforce reductions raise important questions about termination packages, notice and severance entitlements. Employees who receive a termination or severance package should understand their potential legal entitlements before signing a release.
Severance Packages for Oracle Employees
If you have been affected by these layoffs, it is important to understand your rights before accepting any severance package. In Canada, severance is calculated based on several key factors, including:
- Length of service
- Age
- Position held
- Availability of similar employment in the market
It is crucial to carefully review severance offers, as they may not always reflect the full amount an employee is legally entitled to receive. Companies often provide the minimum statutory severance (Ontario Ministry of Labour), which may be far less than what an employee could claim under common law.
In a recent court case in Ontario, the Court awarded 12 months common law notice and $57,000 in punitive damages to an Oracle wrongfully dismissed commissioned employee with nearly four years of service.
Wondering what you’re owed? Use our Severance Pay Calculator to quickly estimate your entitlement based on your age, tenure, and role.
Potential Issues with Layoff Notices
Layoff notices from Oracle may not always comply with employment laws. Common issues include:
- Insufficient notice periods – Some employees may not have received adequate notice as required by law.
- Improper termination classifications – Some layoffs may be labeled as ‘temporary,’ despite functioning as permanent terminations requiring full severance pay.
- Severance offers that don’t align with legal entitlements – Employers may initially offer severance packages that do not reflect full entitlements under the law.
Wrongful Dismissal and Oracle Layoffs
If your termination was not handled properly, you may have grounds for a wrongful dismissal claim. This could include situations where:
- You were not given adequate notice or severance pay.
- You were pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
- The layoff was discriminatory or retaliatory in nature.
If your termination was mishandled, you may have grounds for a wrongful dismissal claim (Ontario Ministry of Labour). Pursuing a wrongful dismissal claim can help you recover additional compensation beyond what was initially offered.
How Monkhouse Law Can Help
At Monkhouse Law, we specialize in employment law and assist employees affected by layoffs. Our team offers:
- A free 30-minute phone consultation to assess your severance package
- Skilled negotiation to help secure fair compensation
- Representation in wrongful dismissal claims if your termination was not handled properly
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you are laid off from Oracle, don’t sign anything before knowing your rights. Contact Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers in Toronto for a free consultation and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.